Apprenticeship is an employment opportunity programme with structured education and training. It formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre.


Apprenticeship provision in Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund.

It is a dual system, a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training which:

  • prepares the participant for a specific occupation,
  • leads to a qualification nationally recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications from Level 5 to Level 10.

Apprentices are employed by a SOLAS-approved employer for the duration of the programme (generally between 2–4 years). Apprenticeship programmes provide at least 50% workplace-based learning.

Apprenticeship is an efficient way to develop talent and resources for the employers and for the industry / sector. Apprentices earn while they learn, and they have the opportunity to build up their professional experience in a chosen occupation, while studying for their degree in the relevant discipline. Once they graduate, they already have an extensive record of valuable work-ready skills.

Ireland’s apprenticeship system includes both traditional Craft Apprenticeships and newer (developed after 2016) Consortia-Led Apprenticeships (CLAs). Craft apprenticeships continue to support key sectors such as construction, engineering and electrical trades. Since 2016, the expansion of apprenticeships through industry-led CLAs has created opportunities across sectors including ICT, business, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and financial services, with qualifications available from NFQ Levels 5 to 10.

Currently (June 2026) there are 87 (24 Craft and 63 Consortia-Led) apprenticeship programmes available. For more information, please visit apprenticeship.ie.